Assam Rifles head calls on Mizoram CM Zoramthanga

Guwahati: Director General of Assam Rifles (DGAR), Lt General Sukhdeep Sangwan, met Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga on Wednesday and discussed issues pertaining to the standoff between the civil administration and the country's oldest paramilitary force, an official statement said.

As per reports, both of them interacted in a friendly environment and discussed the issue of relocation of Assam Rifles headquarters to Zokhawsang on the outskirts of Aizawl from its present location in heart of the city.

While the work on the ongoing smart city project has been halted due to a delay in the relocation, Zoramthanga urged the Assam Rifles head to shift the paramilitary force's base to Zokhawsang as soon as possible.

In a statement, the chief minister raised concerns over increasing cross-border drug-trafficking and the movement of people. He also requested Assam Rifles to step up vigil along the India-Myanmar border.

Mizoram CM also urged Sangwan to avoid mass inter-state movement of troops amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Assam Rifles head also met Chief Secretary Lalnunmawia Chuaungo and discussed the prevailing issues between the state government and the paramilitary force.

Notably, the standoff between the Mizoram government and Assam Rifles began on August 18 when 15 personnel of the paramilitary force's 46 battalion allegedly forced their entry into the state without complying with safety protocols laid down by the administration to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In the meantime, the Central Committee of Young Mizo Association (CYMA) has set September 5 as the new deadline for Assam Rifles to tender a written apology to the people of Mizoram for allegedly molesting two women near the India- Myanmar border in Champhai district on Independence Day, besides violating COVID-19 protocols.

"Following an appeal by senior officers of Assam Rifles during a meeting with Central YMA leaders on August 26, the organisation has now set September 5 as the new deadline for the paramilitary force to tender a written apology," CYMA vice-president Lalhmachhuana told media.

"Although the paramilitary force had expressed verbal apology, we demand a written one on or before that date, failing which the organisation will decide its future course of action," he also added.

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